I've read many (parts of) books about the medieval and Renaissance period, written by modern authors. Just as seeing an original artifact is better than seeing its photo in a book, I want to read medieval and Renaissance books, by authors who were alive at the time - I hope to learn more about the time period.
The blog is to share the experience with as many people who wish to take part: first by reading books themselves, and second by joining in discussions, in person or online.
About the blogger
I'm an active member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, a not-for-profit educational organization which studies the Middle Ages by recreating the pastimes and crafts of the period. I'm resident in the kingdom of Drachenwald. I participate in both the arts of war and the arts of peace.At a splendid camping event in Wales this year called Rhaglan ffair in 2012, I hosted a salon discussion about the qualities of a true peer - with guests making efforts to stay in persona (in character) for the duration of the discussion, and calling on medieval authors and authorities to support their opinions. I enjoyed it immensely, and several people took time to tell me they'd found it fun too.
Aside from raising some excellent discussion, the salon made me realise I had not read nearly as many historic authors as I wished; and I'd enjoyed talking over their opinions so much I wanted to do it again.
So here it is: a laid-back book club for those who wish they read more medieval authors, but need a nudge to keep them going.
General principles
The idea is that I pick a book and a deadline event. We all read the book, and come to talk about the book, at the deadline event. That's it. This is not a course, there's no essays to write, and there's no test at the end.You don't have to be in the SCA to read or comment, but the in-person discussions will be at SCA events.
Some broad preferences:
- (Plain) English versions: noone has to read the original in Latin, Italian or Arabic, unless they want to. We might tackle Shakespearian or Chaucerian English someday, but let's start gently with easily accessible versions, and see how far we get.
- Free or cheap texts are preferred: either downloadable, or available in paperback.
- Leisurely pace: I don't get to every event, and neither do you, so I'll suggest dates some months in advance, so you have time to read. This is supposed to be fun, not a chore. If you cannot attend, maybe you can write up your review to follow up online.
- First person accounts welcome: there are some biographies and first-person travel stories written by 'the guy who was there at the time', that offer advice about chivalry, courtesy, good conduct, or the weirdness of foreigners. I'd like to include these as options too, as not-quite-mirrors.
- Consider: can this advice work for us in the current middle ages (in the modern SCA)? Why, or why not?
